Courtesy of the Animal Rescue League of Berks County |
Animal Rescue League of Berks County says this cat tested positive for rabies and asks anyone who might have come in contact with the cat to contact a health care provider.

Animal Rescue League warns Douglassville-area residents about a rabid cat

The cat was picked up Dec. 23 and its rabies test came back positive Dec. 28.

Written by Reading Eagle

Douglassville, PA —

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County said it picked up a rabid stray cat recently and is urging residents to see a doctor if they believe they came in contact with the animal.

The cat was picked up on Sunday, Dec. 23, in the 100 block of Orchard View Lane in Douglassville after a citizen called the ARL to report a "stray cat acting erratically, staggering and struggling to keep its balance," according to a news release.

The cat was taken to an area animal hospital to be evaluated. The veterinarian suspected the cat was rabid and that diagnosis was confirmed Dec. 28 when the cat tested positive for rabies, the release said.

According to the release:

Everyone who interacted with the cat from the time animal control was called to the time of the cat's death has received rabies vaccinations and boosters.

However, anyone else who might have come in contact with the cat should contact a health care provider immediately. If left untreated, rabies can be deadly for humans.

The ARL also advised Douglassville-area residents to immediately contact the ARL at 610-373-8830 if they see an animal acting strangely.

The shelter also reminded pet owners to make sure their pets are receiving a yearly rabies vaccine. The ARL also suggested that pet owners guard against their pets' exposure to rabies by not allowing them to roam freely outdoors.